Son of the Assyrian king Esarhaddon, most probably the elder brother of Ashurbanipal (Aššurbanipal) and king of Babylon. Esarhaddon divided his empire between Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, and Shamash-shum-ukin, king of Babylon. Shamash-shum-ukin remained under the diplomatic and military authority of his brother, however. For fifteen years, Shamash-shum-ukin reigned like any other Babylonian king, obeying its codes and fulfilling his duties. Shamash-shum-ukin eventually led a revolt at the end of 652 BCE. After a string of victories, the Babylonians were besieged in their city for two years. It fell in the summer of 648. Shamash-shum-ukin died in his burning palace. The legendary king of Assyria Sardanapalus is probably an amalgamation of him and his brother.